IN a bid to make the exit process easier for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will launch the digital “OFW Pass” to replace the traditional Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).
In a radio interview, DMW Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the OFW Pass will fulfill the need for the registration of all OFWs leaving the country in lieu of the OEC.
“In this OFW Pass we will be launching, we will fully ease the process in securing pass or registration or clearance before they leave the country. This makes it more accessible and more convenient while bearing in mind that it is most important that they are registered with us so we know who they are leaving to work abroad,” Cacdac said.
He said the OFW Pass removes the requirement of onsite processing of OECs since migrant workers can upload the necessary information online. “They can secure the OFW Pass within the palm of their hands, literally, since it is in their smart phones,” he added.
He also said the OFWs will no longer need to pay the P100 fee for the OFW Pass like the one required for the OEC.
“We have been allowed by the Department of Finance to lift the fees in getting the OFW Pass,” said Cacdac.
Lastly, the official said they have also removed the 60-day validity period of OECs for the OFW Pass.
